General Info

Course Expectations and the Duties of Learning

Textbook may vary from course to course and from grade level to grade level. All required text(s) will be provided to the student. All other materials will be photocopied.

(2) Absences and Attendance

Inappropriate Attendance will result in the failure of the course. (At the teacher’s discretion, in consultation with, counsellor, and grade vice principal.)

Lates are at times unavoidable, but should be kept to a minimum.

Any absences should be reported in writing (notes) to the teacher. If you know that you will be away ahead of time, please let the teacher know as soon as possible. Ultimately, it is the student’s personal responsibility to maintain the progress of learning. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to catch up on what was missed and to submit any work necessary for evaluation. (Don’t blame the Teacher!)

Late work will be accepted upon immediate return to the class. Penalties may be applied to late work with sufficient reason(s).

(3) Computer Related Work

There will be a major component of the course dealing with computers and the Internet.

It is not necessary for a student to have a computer at home.

After school – lab hours are available (generally) from 3:10pm to 5:00pm Mon. – Fri. Class time will also be available to complete ‘in class assignments’.

Misuse of school computer equipment for non-course related activities will result in the suspension of computer privilege. However, you are still required to complete all computer related assignments.

All work must be completed on time and within expectation to the assignment’s requirement(s).

(4) At School – In Class Behaviour

MP3 Player/other music devices

– Don’t bring them to class!

Cell phones

– Make sure they are turned off and not seen by others.

Anger and violent confrontations

– If someone is angry and aggressive towards you; immediately step away from this person, find the teacher and explain what happen. Don’t be a victim to someone else’s aggression.

– If you yourself becomes angry; immediately stop, sit down, and call the teacher for help. Don’t be a victim of your own aggression.

Interpersonal communication skills

Learning to work with others is an essential part of the learning process.

Learning to share materials and tools is a vital life skill that needs to be practiced everyday.

Learning to be patient with others develops personal character.

Learning to be respectful of others and to the classroom teacher goes a long way to becoming a lawful citizen in our community.

(5) Spring Break Field Trip (To be announced)

Topics covered include: (To be announced)

Cost will vary due to currency exchange rate and fuel surcharge as well as the quantity of food consumed.

All students are encouraged to be part of any/all the field trips. Each student’s family is to provide funding for any field trip the student is partaking. However, money should not be a deterrent to participation. A small amount of funds is available to subsidize the local field trips. However, any trips out of the lower mainland or international trips must be covered by the student before participation. Please contact Mr. Yu should you have any questions.

(6) At Home – Studying and Review

Nightly Review

Decide on a suitable time (before dinner, after dinner, after school, etc.)

Write down the classes you had that day on a piece of paper and write down as much information as you can remember about these classes.

Write down a list of big words you encountered today, and find their definitions

Look ahead to what has to be done this evening, tomorrow, and the rest of the week. (This is called projecting ahead.)

Parental Involvements

Provide a suitable environment for nightly studying.

Provide your child with an opportunity to do proper studying. Make sure your child is not distracted by other responsibilities.

Ask your child every night, “what have you learned at school today?” and “can you explain it to me?”

Check your child’s progress weekly.

Make an arrangement to meet with Mr. Yu during Parent Teacher Interview night(s)

Organize a plan for assignment completion and exam preparation

Use your agenda as a guide to help you to be successful.

Make sure you write down the test/exams dates, as well as due dates for assignments and homework.

Decide on whether you like to complete the easiest homework first or last. Decide on whether you like to complete the hardest homework first or last.

All the planning means nothing if you don’t take the first step to Actually Doing the Work! So begin as soon as you can!

Study Resources

Regularly Use the school’s website and Mr. Yu’s website

Keep and organize your course photocopy handout(s).

Regularly review your course related text books and magazines

Regularly use the public library and its resources to assist you in your homework.

(7) Process of Evaluation

Every term – there will be:

– Major Projects – Assignments – In Class Quiz(s) – In Class Test(s) – In Class Presentation(s) – In Class Activities – Out of Class – Research Project(s) – Term End Exam

All courses will be assessed and evaluated using the standard percentage model. Each student will be expected to demonstrate: mastery of Basic Skills, capabilities of Intermediate Skills, and having working knowledge of Advance Skills.

Each assigned task this year will be divided into the three above described areas. Each term there will be a minimum of 10 opportunities for each student to demonstrate these competencies.

Unable to provided adequate demonstration of the required competencies and skills will result in the failure of the course.

Should a student or a student’s family wishes to challenge this evaluation process, an appointment can be made with the grade vice principal or with the principal. Please bring appropriate documentation to this meeting to articulate your perspective. Likewise, Mr. Yu will also bring the latest educational research documentation to demonstrate why this process is suitable for the Technology Classroom learning environment.

Please keep in mind that Mr. Yu will the one assessing and evaluating your work, if you disagree with Mr. Yu’s process, you should voice your concerns sooner rather than later.

(8) Post Secondary and Graduation Transition Plan

Post Secondary and Graduation Transition Plan are an integral part of the course. 10% to 20% (approx.) of the course will be devoted to the learning and making connections between course objectives and the post secondary educational options, as well as future employment opportunities.

Make sure you leave your name and a way for Mr. Yu to get in touch with you.

(10) For Parents

If you wish to contact Mr. Yu by telephone, please call the school and ask for your call to be transferred to Mr. Yu’s room.

If no one is available to take your call, please leave your name, your phone number, your child’s name, the course to which your child has enrolled in, and the reason for your call with the telephone receptionist. Your phone call will be returned when possible. Email is the best method to reach Mr. Yu.

** Field Trips and Field Studies are a fundamental component of a Student’s educational process and a strong contributor to Student Success. However, due to provincial court rulings and VSB guidelines, all field trip expenses and extracurricular activities related to the process of learning outside the classroom are to be paid for by the student. However, funds are available to assist students with difficult financial situations (in some cases).**

(11A) Important Information for Wood Shop Students

Please be advised that if you have experienced head injuries /concussion(s), the noise from the machines in the woodshop may cause discomfort and/or symptomatic episodes. If this is the case, you should notify Mr. Yu immediately, so that additional steps may be taken to minimize your discomfort (E.g. use of Ear Protection when machines are being used). You should also notify your family doctor of your course selection. Being absent from class due to injuries for a prolonged period will result in a grade lower than expected.

All wood working classes will require students to lift and carry lumber as a part of the daily class activities. Students with existing health issues and/or unable to carry out such tasks should notify Mr. Yu so that alternative arrangements can be made. Please keep in mind, these tasks are designed to provide students with ‘hands on’ opportunities and the familiarity with the wood working world (E.g. When shopping at the Home Depot, it is expected that the customer is able to sort and select proper lumber for their purchase and being able to load the lumber into their shopping cart and/or into their vehicle).

(11B) Important Information for Robotics and Electronics Students

Additional ‘Out of Class Time’ will be available to help students to complete and demonstrate their Robotics learning. This can include participating in various robotics competitions and events. Student not wishing to choose these optional opportunities will have limited class time to complete and demonstrate their Robotics learning.

(11C) Important Information for Automotive Students

Course content will differ from year to year. Some intended content will be removed during the year to accommodate the class’s speed and pace of learning. Likewise, additional content and information will be added based on student’s interests and direction of class flow.

Questions should be directed to Mr. Yu via email: byu@vsb.bc.ca

(12) Advice for Robotics students

Please note that there will be students in the robotics classes that will have a high academic aspiration for success. Those students will want to take every available opportunities to be successful including those outside of school and during non-class hours/times.

For those who simply want to attend class and achieve the minimum, it would be advisable not to participate in these extra opportunities, as your work rate/ethics may be different than those wanting to move ahead.

For those wanting to be at the top of the robotics domain, it is important to pay attention to others that you may have inadvertently brushed aside. Not every student(s) in the class has the same determination and drive as you. Learn to be tolerant and develop the ability to work with everyone that may be on a different academic path than yourself.

It is important for you to carefully evaluate your participating rate in this class and your willingness to be available outside of class hours as well as your willingness to travelling to events that are part of the extra learning opportunities.

Ultimately, if you feel that Mr. Yu is not providing you with the adequate attention or opportunities, please feel free to make an alternate course selection (sooner rather than later). In the past, there have been student(s) who were dis-satisfied with the progress of the robotics class and in protesting their displeasure, caused undue stress and discomfort for other students and their families. This was noted by the school administration.

As part of the start-up process for this course, please take the time to reflect on the above statements and take note of the following philosophies from the two leading robotics competition organizations.

Mr. Yu believes strongly in the following philosophies and work ethics and will conduct all classes and extra-curricular activities in the following manner:

“Gracious Professionalism is part of the ethos of FIRST. It’s a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

With Gracious Professionalism, fierce competition and mutual gain are not separate notions. Gracious professionals learn and compete like crazy, but treat one another with respect and kindness in the process. They avoid treating anyone like losers. No chest thumping tough talk, but no sticky-sweet platitudes either. Knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended.

In the long run, Gracious Professionalism is part of pursuing a meaningful life. One can add to society and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing one has acted with integrity and sensitivity.”

FIRST Robotics.

“We expect the following behavior and ethical standards at all REC Foundation sanctioned

events:

Act with integrity, honesty, and reliability

Behave in a respectful and professional manner with event staff, volunteers, and fellow competitors

Exhibit maturity and class when dealing with difficult and stressful situations